About TRiO

TRIO programs are educational opportunity outreach programs designed to motivate and support students from disadvantaged background to
progress through academic pipeline from middle school to post baccalaureate programs. For more info go to
COENET About TRiO

What is COE?

The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) was established to provide educational opportunity for low-income
and disabled Americans. Our nation has asserted a commitment to providing educational opportunity for all Americans regardless of race,
ethnic background or economic circumstance.

In support of this commitment, Congress established a series of programs to help low-income Americans enter college, graduate and move on
to participate more fully in America's economic and social life. These Programs are funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of
1965 and are referred to as the TRIO Programs (initially just three programs). While student financial aid programs help students overcome
financial barriers to higher education, TRIO programs help students overcome class, social and cultural barriers to higher education.

Who is Served?

As mandated by Congress, two-thirds of the students served must come from families with incomes under $24,000 or where neither parent
graduated from college. Over 1,900 TRIO Programs currently serve nearly 700,000 low income first generation Americans between the ages
of 11 and 27. Many programs serve students in grades six through 12. Thirty-nine percent of TRIO students are White, 36 percent are
African-American, 16 percent are Hispanic, 5 percent are Native American and 4 percent are Asian-American. Sixteen thousand TRIO
students are disabled.

How it Works?

Over 1,200 colleges, universities, community colleges and agencies now offer TRIO Programs in America. TRIO funds are distributed to
institutions through competitive grants.

Evidence of Achievement

Students in the Upward Bound program were four times more likely to earn an undergraduate degree than those students from similar
backgrounds who did not participate in TRIO. Nearly 20 percent of all Black and Hispanic freshmen who entered college in 1981 received
assistance through the TRIO, Talent Search or EOC programs.

Students in the TRIO Student Support Services program were more than twice as likely to remain in college than those students from
similar backgrounds who did not participate in the program

The above information is supplied by: The Council for Opportunity in Education. For more information regarding TRIO, review the following
website: www.coenet.us or ED.GOV Learn
about TRiO Features.